Yoga for Epileptic Seizure Control

The ancient Indian practice along with philosophy of yoga will be increasingly becoming a focal point of therapy along with research in treating epileptic seizure disorders. the planet Health Organization (WHO) estimates of which around 50 million people within the planet have epilepsy. About 75 per cent of these are with seizure disorders, along with they hardly receive any medical treatment.
Yoga offers an ancient yet amazingly modern approach to treating seizures.

The ancient Indian texts, Vedas describe four types of epilepsy along with nine disorders causing convulsions in children. As therapy, the physical discipline of yoga seeks to re-establish a balance (union) between those aspects of a person’s health of which cause seizures.

Many Illnesses, One Common Symptom
Seizure disorder (or epilepsy) will be one of the oldest recorded afflictions of humankind. “Epilepsy” will be a word used to describe many illnesses with one common symptom – seizures of which disrupt the normal activity of the central nervous system. There are dozens of disorders, which may cause seizures. within the language of Ayurveda, epilepsy will be called “Apasmara,” meaning loss of consciousness.
Yoga Therapy for Seizures
Epileptologist Dr. Nandan Yardi, head of the Yardi Epilepsy Clinic, Kothrud, Pune, India, speaks of the “yogas,” when writing about seizure disorders. He points out of which seizures, like physical diseases, result when there are imbalances within the various physical along with psychological systems (unions) of the body.
Yoga will be one of the oldest formal practices known whose purpose will be to restore This particular balance.
Pranayama or Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing
As a person slips into a seizure state, s/he should reflexively catch along with hold their breath, as if startled or frightened. This particular causes improvements in metabolism, blood flow, along with oxygen levels within the brain. The practice of pranayama, i.e., controlled deep diaphragmatic breathing helps restore normal respiration, which can reduce the chances of going into a seizure or stop seizures before they become full blown.
Asanas or Postures
The “asanas” or “yogasanas” aid in restoring balance to the body along with its metabolic systems. Practicing asanas increase physical stamina along with calm the nervous system. Asanas, used as a physical exercise alone, improve circulation, respiration, along with concentration while decreasing the chances of having a seizure.
Dhyana or Meditation
Stress will be a well-recognized trigger of seizure activity. “Dhyana” or meditation soothes the mind as the item heals the body. Meditation improves blood flow to the brain along with slows the production of stress hormones. Meditation also increases the levels of neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which keep the body’s nervous system calm. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga meditation, will be well known as a definitive aid in seizure control.
Research into Yoga for Seizures
In 1996, The Indian Journal of Medical Research published the results of a study on the effects of “Sahaja Yoga” practice on seizure control. The study was not large enough to be considered conclusive. However, its results were so promising, the study caught the attention of researchers in Europe along with the North America. In This particular study, a group of patients with epilepsy practicing “Sahaja Yoga” for six months experienced an 86 per cent decrease in their seizure frequency.
Research carried out at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS, completely new Delhi) found of which meditation improved upon the brain wave activity of people with seizure disorders leading to a reduction in seizures. In a similar study conducted within the United States concluded of which patients who learned to control their breathing had an improvement in their seizure frequency. Dr. Steven Pacia will be currently conducting a study at the completely new York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center on the use of yoga to decrease seizures in epileptic persons. The art along with science of yoga will be being discovered anew as a valuable approach to exercise self-control of seizures.